Description: Braces are orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall dental alignment. Typically consisting of small brackets attached to each tooth and connected by a thin metal wire, braces gradually apply gentle pressure that moves teeth into their proper positions over time. Orthodontists periodically adjust the wires and add small elastic bands to guide the teeth as treatment progresses. This rad '80s design features a shark wearing traditional braces, which is funny, as sharks don't wear braces, but only because it's hard to find an orthodontist willing to work with shark teeth.
Description: The 1970s van craze was a uniquely American cultural phenomenon that transformed ordinary cargo vans into rolling expressions of personality, freedom, and creativity. Vans became blank canvases for customizers who added wild airbrushed murals, shag carpeting, bubble windows, portholes, roof spoilers, and plush interiors with beds and stereos. Vans were often painted with fantasy scenes, sunsets, dragons, or flames, turning them into mobile works of art. The movement was closely tied to the era’s counterculture and road-trip lifestyle, celebrating independence and the open highway. Van clubs, magazines like Hot Rod Vans, and large “van-ins” brought enthusiasts together to show off their builds, putting customized vans front and center.
Description: Shop ’n Save supermarkets were a long-running regional grocery chain best known in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. The brand traces its roots to the mid-20th century, when independent grocers began operating under the Shop ’n Save name as part of cooperative wholesale groups that allowed smaller stores to compete with large national chains. These supermarkets typically focused on value pricing, locally tailored product selections, and a neighborhood-store feel while still offering the variety of a full-service grocery. No idea why Shop ’n Save had a bunch of '80s pop stars drawn in caricature form, but they apparently did for some reason, maybe to promote the in house music section?
Description: This charming "I'm somebody special" design captures the warm, wholesome style of classic children’s graphics from the late '70s and early 1980s. This cheerful cartoon boy is happily walking his pet turtle on a leash in the park on a sunny day in a style that gives it a retro storybook feel. Whether for your kid or yourself, this one is a true throwback design that perfectly reflects the uplifting, innocence-filled aesthetic of the era and is a great reminder that everyone is somebody special.
Description: The phrase Kill Your Television is a rebellious cultural slogan that emerged from punk and counterculture movements as a critique of passive media consumption. Popularized in the '70s and '80s—appearing on stickers, T-shirts, and album artwork—it encouraged people to reject the influence of mainstream television, which critics believed promoted conformity, consumerism, and shallow entertainment. Rather than literally destroying a TV, the phrase symbolized turning it off and engaging more actively with the world: making art, playing music, reading, or participating in real-life communities. Alternative scenes embraced the slogan as part of a broader DIY ethos that valued independent thought and creativity over corporate media narratives.
Description: While you may have heard of Pinball Wizard, this is his older, stockier, and lesser known brother, Foosball Wizard. Known as table football in most of the world, or table soccer in North America, foosball is a fast-paced tabletop game that recreates the excitement of soccer in miniature form. Players control rows of small figures mounted on rotating rods, using quick wrist movements to pass, defend, and shoot a small ball into the opponent’s goal. The game was first developed in Europe in the early 20th century and quickly spread around the world, becoming a staple in bars, arcades, rec rooms, and college campuses. Foosball combines reflexes, strategy, and coordination, as players learn precise passing lanes, and defensive techniques.
Description: Ray’s Board Shop first opened its doors in 1982 and soon became a staple of San Diego surf culture. Founded by surfer Ray Delgado, the small storefront started as a simple repair and shaping space just a few blocks from the beach, where Ray built custom boards for friends and locals chasing the perfect Southern California wave. Word quickly spread about the shop’s hand-shaped boards, laid-back vibe, and Ray’s deep knowledge of local breaks from Pacific Beach to La Jolla. By the early '90s, Ray’s had grown into a gathering spot for surfers, stocked with wax, fins, wetsuits, and a wall of colorful boards that maintained Delgado's definitive '80s style. Decades later, the shop was still known for its classic surf-town atmosphere...
Description: Teppaz was the premier French manufacturer of portable record players, reaching the height of its popularity during the '50s and '60s. Founded in Lyon in 1931 by engineer Marcel Teppaz, the company helped transform the way people listened to music at home. Teppaz became famous for producing compact, stylish record players that were affordable and easy to use, making recorded music more accessible to a rapidly growing postwar audience. During the rise of youth culture in the '50s, Teppaz cleverly targeted the emerging teen market, offering brightly colored portable turntables that could be carried to parties or placed in a bedroom. This design is based on the mid '50s era marketing that had distinctive mod style.
Description: Skaters and police have always had an adversarial relationship rooted in the regulation of public spaces where skateboarding is typically practiced. From plazas and sidewalks, to parking lots and other urban areas that were not designed with the activity in mind, concerns about property damage, safety, and liability have resulted in cities enacting anti-skateboarding ordinances. This has left police responsible for enforcing the law and running skateboarders off from their favorite session spots. This late '80s 'skateboard police' design was meant to poke fun at the police, replacing the typical motto of 'to protect and serve' with 'to observe, cite, and harass.'
Description: The 1979 energy crisis during Jimmy Carter's presidency was triggered by the Iranian Revolution, which slashed global oil production, causing prices to double, sparking, panic-buying, and by extension, long gas lines. Carter responded by deregulating oil prices, creating the Department of Energy, and urging conservation, which reduced foreign oil dependency, but heavily damaged his public approval. Coupled with high inflation, the energy crisis severely damaged public confidence in the administration, leading to a "crisis of confidence" speech, and contributed to his 1980 reelection loss. Right, wrong, or otherwise, many Americans blamed Carter for the energy crisis, even though many of the underlying causes predated his time in office.
Description: Sigmund the Sea Monster was the lovable title character from the 1973 children’s television series Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. The show followed Sigmund, a friendly young sea monster who was different from the rest of his mischievous monster family because he preferred making friends with humans instead of scaring them. After being rejected by his meaner brothers, Slurp and Burp, Sigmund befriended two brothers, Johnny and Scott, who hide him in their clubhouse and help keep his existence a secret. Mixing slapstick comedy, colorful costumes, and a fun fantasy style, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters became a memorable part of Saturday morning television in the '70s, celebrating friendship, kindness, and the idea that being different is cool.
Description: The first South St. Paul Rodeo opened on Thursday, July 10, 1980, launching four straight days and nights of professional rodeo competition that ran through Sunday. Held on a 27-acre site in South St. Paul, Minnesota—near what had once been the busiest stockyard in the world—the event drew thousands of fans eager to see top riders face off against what promoters billed as “the meanest bulls in America.” The rodeo was the vision of real-life cowboy and legendary promoter Walter “Walt” Books, whose efforts brought the event to life. The South St. Paul Rodeo continued thrilling crowds each summer until 1986.
Description: KKBQ-FM relaunched in 1982 with a high-energy Top 40/rock format and quickly rose to become one of the most popular stations in Houston. Its morning “zoo”-style AM drive show dominated the ratings for years, helping keep the station consistently near the top of the market. A big part of the station’s identity was its colorful mascot, the Too-Kii Bird, a cartoon character that perfectly captured KKBQ’s upbeat sound and irreverent on-air personalities. The Too-Kii Bird appeared on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and posters throughout the city, becoming a local pop-culture icon. The character even came to life at live remotes and station events, where a costumed Too-Kii Bird would mingle with fans and promote the station around Houston.
Description: Known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona earns its nickname from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon stretches roughly 277 miles and reveals a vast cross-section of geologic history layered in colorful stone. But Arizona’s identity goes beyond this iconic landmark. The state is known for its dramatic desert landscapes, towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and brilliant sunsets that paint the sky in shades of red and gold. From the red rocks of Sedona to the historic streets of Tombstone and the vibrant culture of Phoenix, Arizona blends natural beauty, rich history, and a spirit of the American West.
Description: The phrase "Suck ’Em Up Hawaiian Style” became a playful bit of beachside slang associated with the laid-back drinking culture of Hawaii in the mid-20th century, especially when paired with Primo Beer, the islands’ iconic brew first produced in Honolulu in 1897. Known for its crisp, refreshing taste and the famous “Primo” label, the beer became a staple of local gatherings, surf breaks, and backyard luaus. The phrase captures the easygoing spirit of island life—encouraging friends to kick back, enjoy a cold Primo, and soak in the sunshine, ocean air, and camaraderie that define Hawaii’s relaxed social culture. Together, the slogan and the beer evoke the carefree atmosphere of beach parties, surf culture, and simple island pleasures.
Description: Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate body temperature, often needing to be warm to digest food and move properly. However, they absolutely need to "cool down" to avoid overheating. They do this through behavioral thermoregulation, moving between sun (warmth) and shade/burrows (cool). Sometimes they just gotta lie low and chill to stay cool in the summer heat, though I've never seen one park himself in an ice chest with a frosty beverage, but I guess it could happen.
Description: The Stardust Resort and Casino was one of the most iconic properties on the Las Vegas Strip, opening in 1958 during the golden age of classic mob-era resorts. Known for its massive electric sign—once the largest in the world—the Stardust embodied mid-century glamour with space-age design, lavish revues like Lido de Paris, and a bustling casino floor that attracted celebrities, high rollers, and everyday tourists alike. Over the decades, it became a symbol of vintage Vegas charm before closing in 2006 and being demolished in 2007, marking the end of an era as mega-resorts reshaped the skyline.
Description: Hamm’s Beer built one of the most memorable identities in American brewing history with its iconic slogan, “From the Land of Sky Blue Waters.” Introduced in the mid-20th century, the phrase evoked the pristine lakes and forests of Minnesota, where the beer was brewed, and painted a romantic picture of outdoor adventure and northern wilderness. The accompanying jingle and animated bear commercials became cultural touchstones, reinforcing the brand’s wholesome, outdoorsy image. More than just a tagline, “Land of Sky Blue Waters” captured a mood—cool, refreshing, and distinctly American—helping Hamm’s stand-out in a crowded beer market and cementing its place in vintage advertising lore.
Description: Jesus is often called “the Son of David,” a title rich with meaning in Jewish tradition. It points back to God’s covenant with King David in the Old Testament, where God promised that David’s line would endure and that a future king from his family would reign forever. By calling Jesus the Son of David, people were recognizing him as the long-awaited Messiah—the rightful heir to David’s throne. The Gospels trace Jesus’ genealogy to David and record moments when crowds and individuals used this title as an expression of faith, hoping in a savior who would bring restoration, mercy, and a kingdom rooted not just in political power, but in righteousness and peace.
Description: Colon Blow is the infamous fictional high-fiber cereal that promised to “blast through your system like a freight train through a tunnel.” Branded as “The HIGH Fiber Cereal,” it featured a towering bowl of shredded wheat and strawberries and boasted “Incredibly HIGH in Fiber.” With zero added sugar and maximum roughage, it became a cult classic for its over-the-top digestive claims—until Super Colon Blow raised the stakes. This design riffs on that legend as a retro promo-style shirt, perfect for proud fiber fanatics everywhere.
Description: Specialty Carriers was founded in Los Angeles in 1974 by former long-haul driver Ray Harlan, who saw a niche in mission-critical freight that couldn’t wait on standard schedules. Starting with a single stretch-frame cab-over van near the Port of Los Angeles, the company built a reputation for high-stakes hauls—rushing aerospace parts, delivering major medical equipment, and moving sensitive military cargo under strict deadlines. By the 1980s, Specialty operated 65 custom trucks, known for punctual, discreet service, contingency planning, and zero-margin-for-error reliability.
Description: The term space cowboy evokes a vivid archetype born from the collision of American frontier mythology and the infinite expanse of science fiction: a lone, rugged wanderer who carries the spirit of the Old West—independence, quick-draw bravado, moral ambiguity—into the lawless void between stars. Emerging in the late 1960s through the psychedelic track of the same name, where it described a disillusioned drifter escaping Earth's hypocrisies for cosmic freedom, the phrase later gained layers from 1960s slang linking it to stoner haze (a "space cadet" with cowboy swagger) and exploded into pop culture via anime with bounty hunters drifting through a retro-futuristic galaxy echoing spaghetti westerns.
Description: Founded in 1946 by chemical engineer William Kiefer in his family's suburban New Jersey garage, Bel-Ray began as a specialist in high-temperature bakery lubricants, developing its first product to withstand the extreme conditions of commercial ovens. This modest start quickly evolved through innovation, leading to pioneering non-toxic, food-grade lubricants and expanded product lines that set the bar for quality. Bel-Ray would soon look to meet the needs of high performance racing applications, starting with creating specialty oils, greases, and fluids engineered specifically for high RPM motorcycle engines operating in extreme conditions ranging from off-road racing to grand prix circuits, all from their Farmingdale, New Jersey HQ.
Description: The Pipeline Masters was a professional surfing competition held at the legendary Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore in Hawaii. Held on December 17, 2000, the 30th anniversary even delivered thrilling, high-quality waves throughout the contest window, and allowed the world's best big wave surfers to really do their thing. The event featured intense matchups among the world's top surfers, with exceptional tube-riding and a perfect 10-point ride that sealed the win in pumping, barrel-heavy conditions in one of surfing's most prestigious and dangerous venues.
Description: The Dreams You Dread is the seminal 1989 demo tape from British death metal pioneers Benediction, hailing from Birmingham, UK. Recorded on July 8, 1989, this raw, self-released cassette marked the band's earliest official output, showcasing their ferocious old-school death metal sound with guttural vocals, crushing riffs, and relentless drumming. The tape featured tracks like "Experimental Stage," "Artifacted Irreligion," "Subconscious Terror," and "Grizzled Finale," blending brutal aggression with hints of the groove-laden style that would define their later work. Circulated in the underground tape-trading scene, The Dreams You Dread helped attract label attention, paving the way for their landmark 1990 debut album Subconscious Terror.
Description: Although countless establishments across America bear the name "O'Connor's Bar," this particular one stood proudly in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Henry O'Connor founded it in 1942, transforming an old malt shop at 206 Broadway in the heart of downtown into a welcoming spot. Recognizing the need for a classic Irish pub in the area, he set out to bring a touch of Ireland to Columbia County. His vision proved spot-on: the bar quickly took off and became a beloved gathering place for both locals and tourists, offering cold drinks, hearty meals, and traditional Irish specialties. O'Connor's thrived for nearly six decades, passing to the next generation of the O'Connor family, where it remained a cherished institution until closing in 2001.
Description: The International Pop Underground (IPU) Convention was held at the Capitol Theater and adjacent locations in Olympia, Washington on August 20–25, 1991. Orchestrated by K Records, the event kicked off with "Girl Night," an all-women showcase featuring early riot grrrl acts. Over the week, around 50 bands performed as the event seamlessly blended art, raw energy, collaboration, poetry readings, dance parties, and impromptu sets at houses and record stores. Far less commercial than contemporary music festivals, the IPU celebrated anti-corporate, community-driven underground culture, leaving a lasting legacy documented on a live compilation album and remembered as a high-water mark for Olympia's vibrant indie scene.
Description: Nestled in San Francisco's historic waterfront, the Last Chance Inn opened in 1849 amid the Gold Rush frenzy. Founded by a savvy ex-miner who knew the true fortune was in miners' pockets, it became a legendary spot where prospectors could drink, eat, gamble, catch burlesque shows, and find discreet upstairs comforts. Its dark mahogany interior glowed under gas lamps, stocked with whiskey and rum to loosen wallets. The Inn survived fires, quakes, Prohibition, and changing times, but by the mid-20th century, the shows and gambling faded, leaving a gritty dive bar. Rising rents, shifting tastes, and increasing ordinances and laws finally closed it in 1981—no fanfare, just one final last call echoing the city's rowdy Gold Rush fueled past.
Description: Broussard’s Flying Service was founded in 1963 by Emile Broussard, a skilled WWII veteran pilot and lifelong resident of Rayville, Louisiana, in the heart of the fertile Mississippi Delta region. Starting with a single refurbished Stearman biplane outfitted for aerial application, Broussard quickly became a trusted name among local cotton and soybean farmers battling boll weevils and other pests that threatened their livelihoods. Over the years, Broussard expanded his modest fleet to include more modern Ag Cats, while maintaining its family-run ethos across three generations. From the dusty airstrip just outside town, pilots would skim low over vast fields at dawn, releasing precision drops that helped sustain the region's agriculture.
Description: The beauty of the Arizona desert lies in its quiet drama and subtle detail. At sunrise, the sky ignites in washes of coral, gold, and violet, casting long shadows from towering saguaros that stand like ancient sentinels across the sand. Creosote and mesquite release a rich, earthy scent after rare rain, and wildflowers briefly transform the landscape into a tapestry of color. Rugged mountains glow red at dusk, while the vast night sky reveals a brilliance of stars rarely seen elsewhere. This '90s style design features depictions of the Arizona desert wrapped in traditional Native motifs, and isn't unlike those found in gift shops and trading posts in areas frequented by tourists.
Description: The sarcastically named "Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club" was first used in 1961 when the Seventh Fleet arrived off the coast of Vietnam, and much like the naval traditions of line-crossing ceremonies and plankowner certificates, the club served to commemorate sailors' participation in the campaign. Membership was extended to any service-member assigned to 7th Fleet, from the ships on the gun line, to aircraft sorties from the carriers, to riverine units, and those on the shore. Although unofficial, the patches were popular with veterans of Seventh Fleet's involvement in the Vietnam War, and have become a lasting symbol of the camaraderie, resilience, and sacrifice of all who served in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Description: The Louisville Half Mile Championships were high-speed dirt track motorcycle racing events, where riders battled bar-to-bar on a fast, sweeping half-mile oval at Louisville Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for its clay surface and wide racing lines, the Louisville circuit rewarded throttle control, precision sliding, and fearless drafting down the straightaways. With deep roots in flat track tradition, the event blended grassroots grit with professional intensity, celebrating a racing style that helped shape American motorcycle culture. This design from the 1989 event captures the spirit of roaring twins pitching sideways into the corners, steel shoes skimming the surface, and riders searching for traction.
Description: Surfing is a surface water sport where a rider, or surfer, moves along the face of a breaking wave towards the shore. While primarily an ocean activity, it can also be practiced on river waves, tidal bores, and in man-made wave pools. In the '80s, surfing style went mainstream, reaching far from the beaches into department stores and specialty shops across the country and teens embraced the lifestyle, or at least the look of the lifestyle and countless startup brands helped to meet the demand. This 'go for it' design is straight out of the '80s surf style playbook as it checks all the boxes.
Description: Pirate Radio KQLZ 100.3 was a short-lived, but influential FM rock station in Los Angeles that became legendary for its bold, rebellious style and its challenge to radio broadcasting norms in the late 1980s. Launched in 1989 at 100.3 FM frequency, KQLZ branded itself as a “pirate” station, with an anti-establishment persona focused on hard rock and heavy metal. Its playlist featured many tracks that mainstream stations ignored, and its high-energy announcers and edgy promotions struck a chord with listeners craving something louder and less sanitized. Although KQLZ went off the air in 1993 after a series of ownership and ratings challenges, it left a lasting legacy among rock fans and radio historians as an example of daring programming.
Description: Jeff Ruland and Rick Mahorn's physically aggressive, never-back-down teamwork on the court with the Bullets made them fan favorites. Never taking crap from anyone, individually, Ruland was known as "McFilthy" and Mahorn was known as “McNasty," and together they were "The Beef Brothers." The intimidating mid-'80s front court duo for the Bullets were further popularized through a marketing partnership with a burger chain which had them promoting their 'beefy' burgers, and also sponsored a "Beef Brothers" t-shirt giveaway during the regular season finale in 1985 which was pure '80s magic.
Description: The Grand Prix of Long Beach stands as North America's longest-running major street race, a storied event that first roared to life in 1975 as a Formula 5000 test in downtown Long Beach, California. A bold gamble by promoters quickly evolved into legend, hosting the U.S. Grand Prix West from 1976 to 1983, then shifting to become a crown jewel of Indy racing since 1984. Now in its sixth decade, the tight 1.968-mile, 11-turn circuit delivers relentless drama—hairpin corners, blistering straights topping 180 mph along Shoreline Drive, while drawing nearly 200,000 fans over a three-day April weekend. This design celebrates the mid '90s era of the race, which featured sharp graphics in bold colors.
